As I was thinking about what information to include on my website, I thought about my decision to publish my books independently rather than through traditional avenues.  Ultimately, my decision was made based on a variety of reasons including the ability to control my own work and the amount of time I have and (do not) wish to spend querying agents or publishing companies.  There are other reasons involved in this decision, but these two are perhaps the most significant.

For me, the process of self-publishing has also been filled with rewarding challenges and adventures.  An indie author is a kind of one-man band or jack of all trades.  Once I’ve finished my rough draft, I don’t have a team of people walking my book through the process of editing, book cover design, or promotion.  The responsibility for these things rests squarely on my shoulders, and as a result, I’ve had to learn many new skills in order to prep my book for readers, get my book ready for printing, and advertise and market my work to others.

While most of this work I’ve done on my own, there are others who have been instrumental in the process of seeing my ideas transformed into a completed novel.  Dear friends have provided encouragement, proofed my work, and provided important feedback.  My wonderfully talented sister-in-law designed a gorgeous cover for Under the Burning Moon.  (See a video of how she did this below.)   She also designed this beautiful website.  This has been a collaborative process that I’ve enjoyed being a part of and I’m not certain I would have learned nearly as much if I had left things in the hands of a literary agent of publishing house.

It’s not that I’m against or would turn down an opportunity for traditional publishing.  Trad publishing will always carry an air of additional professionalism and exclusivity.  For now, I’m pleased with being the sole master of my work, though.  I’m doubly thrilled with the ways I have grown in knowledge and confidence as I’ve seen the whispers of an idea blossom into a completed work I’m proud to call my own.

If you’re interested in learning more about the creation of my book cover for Under the Burning Moon, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGWyS1Se49s&feature=youtu.be.